PC Sales Go Into a Tailspin

By

Ben Worthen And

Ian Sherr

Updated Oct. 11, 2012 10:25 a.m. ET

The personal-computer business has entered a tailspin.

Reports from research firms Wednesday provided new details about the industry's worsening condition, triggered by factors that include cannibalization by tablet computers, sluggish economic conditions and slowing PC sales in emerging countries.